Culinary Innovation Chef: Trend-Driven Menus

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Creative work environment

East London location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Culinary Development Chef to drive menu creation and innovation for a diverse catering portfolio in East London. You will research, develop, and test new items, aligning with client preferences and dietary needs while maintaining exceptional quality and taste in the Eastern Cape market.

Responsibilities include trend research, creating full menu proposals, taste testing, recipe costing, and collaboration with the Head Chef and procurement to manage costs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef with a strong focus on menu development and culinary innovation.
• Excellent understanding of food costing, nutritional requirements, and dietary restrictions.
• Strong sensory evaluation skills and ability to articulate taste profiles.
• Proficiency in recipe development software and standard kitchen operations.
• A culinary degree or equivalent professional experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify emerging food trends to inspire menu concepts.
• Develop innovative and appealing dishes with full menu proposals.
• Conduct taste testing and gather feedback to refine recipes.
• Create detailed recipes, costing, and preparation guidelines.
• Collaborate with Head Chef and procurement to source ingredients and manage costs.
• Ensure all dishes meet high standards for taste, presentation, and quality.

Skills

Menu development

Culinary innovation

Food costing

Nutritional knowledge

Dietary restrictions

Sensory evaluation

Recipe development

Kitchen operations

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Recipe development software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Culinary Development Chef to drive menu creation and innovation for a diverse catering portfolio in East London. You will research, develop, and test new items, aligning with client preferences and dietary needs while maintaining exceptional quality and taste in the Eastern Cape market.

Responsibilities include trend research, creating full menu proposals, taste testing, recipe costing, and collaboration with the Head Chef and procurement to manage costs.